Lomography Meets Fernando Sciotto

It was love at first sight when we saw Fernando's photographs in his LomoHome.

We had a chat with Spain-based Fernando Sciotto to find out more about his photography body of work.

Tell us a bit about your photography background. What’s your story? How did you get started on your photographic journey?

In 2017 I left my country, Argentina, to make my dream come true, which is to travel the world. When my flight landed in Milan, I started thinking that I should have started taking photographs of the places I was going to visit: that's how I started my photography journey.

Do you remember the first time you used a camera?

My first memory is back in the '90s when I was 6 years old and I was playing with an analog camera: I remember holding it in my hands, looking through the viewfinder, and taking photos.

You shoot both in digital and analogue: what are the pros and cons of both?

Yes, I use both, although I have a greater love for analogue. Digital photography creates very good quality photos and the process is fast, but I felt that it lacked soul. This is the reason why I bought the lens Petzval 55 MKII, to give more personality to my photos.
Analogue photography taught me to value moments more, to shoot when they are worth it. It teaches me to wait, to dedicate more effort and knowledge to achieve what I want.

How do you decide if shooting in digital or analogue?

It depends on the idea that I have at that moment and what I want to achieve. I usually use both in the same session, but for different outcomes.

What are the characteristics you like more of the Lomochrome Purple and Metropolis films?

Lomochrome Purple is different from everything: it transports you to another world! When I use it I feel like everything looks post-apocalyptic, you can play with colors and it is very fun to use.

I have used Lomochrome Metropolis in urban photoshoots, in industrial or office areas: I like desaturated colors and strong contrast. I love the final results I had.

How is your experience with our artistic lens Petzval 55 mm MKII?

Wonderful! It is such a special lens, everyone loves it and it does not go unnoticed! I love swirling bokeh. At first, I used the Helios 44 mm lens to achieve that effect but when I discovered the existence of the Petzval and that I could control the bokeh with it, it was love at first sight!

Photography is not your actual job: have you ever considered to do it as a profession, maybe becoming a fashion photographer?

Honestly no, what I want is to travel more and to photograph all corners and people.

Do you have a favorite film camera?

My favorite camera is the camera I have now, a beautiful Contax RTS, with red leather and a Carl Zeiss Planar 50 mm lens.

What kind of photography gear do you always take on your photoshoots?

I use my Contax RTS with the Zeiss Planar 50 mm f/1.7 and a Sony digital camera, with a Carl Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens and the Petzval 55 MKII.

Do you have a favorite photo? Can you tell us the story behind it?

I have many favorite photos, but I'll keep one, the one below. It's special because it was my first analogue photo. It was when I got my first camera, a Zenit 12XP, and I decided to load a film and go to the beach in Sitges (Catalunya) to take my first photos on film.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I have traveled for a long time, I visited 39 countries and I saw many things, most of the time my inspiration comes from my memories, from moments where I was alone in distant places.

Who are the artists that you follow? Why?

I follow Michael Yamashita and Steve McCurry, because they do what I dreamed of since I was a child. But I also love Vladimir Lagrange's work!

What is the first photography project you're going to do once this pandemic is over?

I would like to visit New York and Tokyo and take analogue photos on the streets.

Follow Fernando in his LomoHome and Instagram.

written by melissaperitore on 2020-12-23 #gear #people #lomochrome-purple #lomochrome-metropolis #petzval-55mm #fernando-sciotto